Sen. Mitch McConnell does not high-five easily or often. But a deal to keep American workers' taxes from rising on Jan. 1 was reason enough for the coolest negotiator in the Senate to lift a hand on camera and slap — or pat — some skin.

His celebration was premature.

Furious House Republicans said McConnell's deal for a two-month extension of payroll tax cuts is 10 months too few. They are prepared to let everyone's Social Security taxes rise an average $20 a week for a while if that's what it takes to extend the cut for a year. And they are intent on dragging the vacationing Senate back to Washington to do it their way.